ELMORE COUNTY, Ala. (WRBL) — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has issued a boating citation following a Labor Day weekend crash on Lake Martin that left a 12-year-old seriously injured.
ALEA Marine Patrol Troopers say the crash happened around 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, in Little Kowaliga Creek near Wake Robbin Road. A 12-year-old was operating a 2024 Sea-Doo 300 while towing another 12-year-old on a kneeboard when the watercraft struck a causeway. The young operator went airborne, landed on the roadway, and was airlifted to a hospital. The child being towed was not injured as they dropped the rope before the crash.
Following further investigation, troopers cited the registered owner of the Sea-Doo, Jennifer F. Hartsfield, 43, of Alexander City, for Giving Permission to Operate a Vessel Without a License.
Troopers are reminding the public Alabama boating laws strictly regulate who can operate a motorized vessel, including personal watercraft like Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and Sea-Doos.
🔹 Key rules:
• No one under 12 may operate a motorized vessel.
• Ages 12–13 may operate with a vessel operator's license, but must have someone 21 or older — with a license — onboard and in position to take immediate control.
• Ages 14 and up may operate alone only if they have obtained a vessel operator's license.
• Operators must have their certification/license in possession while driving.
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